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Shelby Beach #1
The Christmas Lights Battle
A Shelby Beach Romance.
For a single dad and his neighbor, the Christmas competition is on!
Julian Moss wants to give his children a happy Christmas. Since his divorce, Julian has no time for a social life; he’s been doing the tiring work of two parents while his cheating ex-husband dodges his responsibilities. If that isn’t stressful enough, he has to deal with his new—and ridiculously good-looking—neighbor and his noisy dogs. Christmas used to be Julian’s favorite holiday, but lately all he sees is the cost. Then Julian’s young son tells him about a Christmas lights competition with a much-needed prize.
Leo Adams is going to be alone for Christmas…again. All he’s ever wanted is to be accepted by his family, but he knows that will never happen. Deciding to focus on his career as a personal trainer, Leo develops a boot camp program on the beach, but he needs publicity. The lights competition offers Leo a way to get some free press, and if it annoys his snooty neighbor Julian—all the better.
The battle is on, and both Julian and Leo want to win. The stakes are high, the reward is great, and the neighbors are in it to win it. There’s nothing like a little competition to make Christmas at Shelby Beach extra merry and bright.
For a single dad and his neighbor, the Christmas competition is on!
Julian Moss wants to give his children a happy Christmas. Since his divorce, Julian has no time for a social life; he’s been doing the tiring work of two parents while his cheating ex-husband dodges his responsibilities. If that isn’t stressful enough, he has to deal with his new—and ridiculously good-looking—neighbor and his noisy dogs. Christmas used to be Julian’s favorite holiday, but lately all he sees is the cost. Then Julian’s young son tells him about a Christmas lights competition with a much-needed prize.
Leo Adams is going to be alone for Christmas…again. All he’s ever wanted is to be accepted by his family, but he knows that will never happen. Deciding to focus on his career as a personal trainer, Leo develops a boot camp program on the beach, but he needs publicity. The lights competition offers Leo a way to get some free press, and if it annoys his snooty neighbor Julian—all the better.
The battle is on, and both Julian and Leo want to win. The stakes are high, the reward is great, and the neighbors are in it to win it. There’s nothing like a little competition to make Christmas at Shelby Beach extra merry and bright.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2018
87 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Skylar M. Cates
30 books299 followersSkylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 14, 2018
~3.5~
Leo and Julian don't take the road well traveled. Julian dislikes Leo on sight for no reason except that Leo is stupidly hot and his dogs bark at all hours of the day and night.
Except the dogs belong to Leo's friend for whom Leo is house sitting, and Leo is actually a very nice, positive guy raised by crazy religious parents who were cold and emotionally abusive.
Once Leo and Julian stop fighting their mutual attraction, they become lovers and then friends. Indeed, instead of competing against each other to win the Christmas lights competition as they'd originally planned, the MCs join forces to beat the reigning two-time champion, who happens to be a racist, homophobic old crone.
The story is light on the plot but brimming with sweetness and steam. I do love me a sexy holiday story!
Julian has two adopted children and a selfish, immature ex-husband who cares more about his new boyfriend than his kids. I wanted to know more about Julian's kids; how old were they when he adopted them, for example?
Leo is really good with Julian's children, but Julian isn't ready to announce their relationship to the world because he doesn't want the kids to get overly attached (which was kind of stupid, since they already knew and liked Leo).
Leo is trying to build up his fitness training business, and Julian's mom happens to be one of his beach Zoomba clients.
I'm thinking this may be the first book of a new series because the story ended rather abruptly with a tentative HFN. Plus, numerous secondary characters were introduced, like Leo's friends and Julian's brother, who seemed like excellent candidates for a romantic lead but didn't contribute much to the plot.
Recommended for a lower angst, sexy story with a fun Florida setting, quirky family dynamics (Julian's mom is a hoot!), and hot men dancing on the beach.
Leo and Julian don't take the road well traveled. Julian dislikes Leo on sight for no reason except that Leo is stupidly hot and his dogs bark at all hours of the day and night.
Except the dogs belong to Leo's friend for whom Leo is house sitting, and Leo is actually a very nice, positive guy raised by crazy religious parents who were cold and emotionally abusive.
Once Leo and Julian stop fighting their mutual attraction, they become lovers and then friends. Indeed, instead of competing against each other to win the Christmas lights competition as they'd originally planned, the MCs join forces to beat the reigning two-time champion, who happens to be a racist, homophobic old crone.
The story is light on the plot but brimming with sweetness and steam. I do love me a sexy holiday story!
Julian has two adopted children and a selfish, immature ex-husband who cares more about his new boyfriend than his kids. I wanted to know more about Julian's kids; how old were they when he adopted them, for example?
Leo is really good with Julian's children, but Julian isn't ready to announce their relationship to the world because he doesn't want the kids to get overly attached (which was kind of stupid, since they already knew and liked Leo).
Leo is trying to build up his fitness training business, and Julian's mom happens to be one of his beach Zoomba clients.
I'm thinking this may be the first book of a new series because the story ended rather abruptly with a tentative HFN. Plus, numerous secondary characters were introduced, like Leo's friends and Julian's brother, who seemed like excellent candidates for a romantic lead but didn't contribute much to the plot.
Recommended for a lower angst, sexy story with a fun Florida setting, quirky family dynamics (Julian's mom is a hoot!), and hot men dancing on the beach.
December 18, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Cute.
Sweet.
Steamy.
Low angst.
The perfect holiday read.
And looks to be the start of a series.
Cute.
Sweet.
Steamy.
Low angst.
The perfect holiday read.
And looks to be the start of a series.
December 9, 2018
This is a lovely festive romance with a little bit of unexpected spice from Skylar Cates and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Julian and Leo don't have the best meeting, mostly down to Julian's preconceived ideas about Leo being a dumb jock and his own internal insecurities.
But once they actually start to talk, they realise the attraction they have for each other might just be the best gift, not just for Christmas but for a lifetime.
There's a wee bit of angst in this to measure against the sweetness, mostly surrounding Leo's background with ultra conservative religious parents, and Julian's ex-husband is also a bit of a dick.
However, Julian's family are fab, as are Leo's best friends, and there are lots of hints given for further entries in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Julian and Leo don't have the best meeting, mostly down to Julian's preconceived ideas about Leo being a dumb jock and his own internal insecurities.
But once they actually start to talk, they realise the attraction they have for each other might just be the best gift, not just for Christmas but for a lifetime.
There's a wee bit of angst in this to measure against the sweetness, mostly surrounding Leo's background with ultra conservative religious parents, and Julian's ex-husband is also a bit of a dick.
However, Julian's family are fab, as are Leo's best friends, and there are lots of hints given for further entries in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Want to read
December 1, 2020Kindle freebie 11/30/20
November 14, 2020
This was such a delight to read.
Enemies to friends to lovers and so much more.
Julian and Leo are neighbors getting off on the wrong foot. Or should I say bark? Leo is dogsitting his friends three dogs and they annoy Julian to no end. Julian just wants order and some peace and quiet. Leo wants his new business to work out and settle down. They are so wrong for each other... yet perfect. And I was there for it. When they finally got over themselves, this was such a sweet love story.
Julian's kids were amazing. I'm always a bit skeptical about kids in my romance books but here, they made sense. They weren't perfect or acting too old for their age.
The only thing that bothered me were the way the dogs was handled. But most of you know that's a pet peeve of mine.
Enemies to friends to lovers and so much more.
Julian and Leo are neighbors getting off on the wrong foot. Or should I say bark? Leo is dogsitting his friends three dogs and they annoy Julian to no end. Julian just wants order and some peace and quiet. Leo wants his new business to work out and settle down. They are so wrong for each other... yet perfect. And I was there for it. When they finally got over themselves, this was such a sweet love story.
Julian's kids were amazing. I'm always a bit skeptical about kids in my romance books but here, they made sense. They weren't perfect or acting too old for their age.
The only thing that bothered me were the way the dogs was handled. But most of you know that's a pet peeve of mine.
December 20, 2018
This book sorta had to grow on me. It wasn't one of those that hook me early on and then not let go. The first 3rd was good just not "can't put down" good. Once that changed and it became that good I was enthralled. Leo and Julian were so hot and cold at first, but once Julian stopped being stubborn and gave them a chance it was perfection. I loved that Julian had kids, they added such a warm snuggly feeling to the story. The secondary characters in this story each brought their own special bit that added so well to the whole.
Over all this was a charming, sweet and sexy love story!
Over all this was a charming, sweet and sexy love story!
December 29, 2022
'Everything here was like a Hallmark movie.'
Is Shelby Beach for real?
Is Shelby Beach for real?
December 17, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I’m a sucker for holiday romances and this one seemed right up my alley. A little enemies to friends to lovers, friendly competition, and two hurt men needing each other to finish healing. Cates does a great job with the characters and the romance, and I was wholly invested throughout the story.
I loved the way these guys grew and changed as the story went on. Julian comes off as, well, a total jerk the first time he and Leo meet. While the reader knows what’s going on inside his head, it doesn’t completely justify his words and actions. One of my favorite moments in this book comes when Julian owns his actions and apologizes. Leo gets to see the man that the reader has been getting to know. Julian’s experiences have shaped him, both in life and in romance, and I loved seeing him work through his emotions and thoughts as he finally moved forward.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I’m a sucker for holiday romances and this one seemed right up my alley. A little enemies to friends to lovers, friendly competition, and two hurt men needing each other to finish healing. Cates does a great job with the characters and the romance, and I was wholly invested throughout the story.
I loved the way these guys grew and changed as the story went on. Julian comes off as, well, a total jerk the first time he and Leo meet. While the reader knows what’s going on inside his head, it doesn’t completely justify his words and actions. One of my favorite moments in this book comes when Julian owns his actions and apologizes. Leo gets to see the man that the reader has been getting to know. Julian’s experiences have shaped him, both in life and in romance, and I loved seeing him work through his emotions and thoughts as he finally moved forward.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
December 24, 2018
🎄
2.5 stars
Neighbors who start off as enemies competing in a Christmas light battle turn into so much more.
Overall an ok read.
2.5 stars
Neighbors who start off as enemies competing in a Christmas light battle turn into so much more.
Overall an ok read.
December 8, 2018
This was a fun enemies-to-lovers story I enjoyed quite a bit. Shelby Beach neighbors (well, sort of) Julian and Leo both enter a Christmas lights contest hoping to win the $3K prize. Divorced dad Julian is trying to do his best for his children for the holidays and is hoping to use the money for a Disney trip for them, whereas Leo is trying to get his business off the ground and wants to use it for publicity. The animosity between the two is quite amusing from the start, but as they start to learn more about each other things get.. complicated. I was surprised at where this book took me at times, but I liked that a lot. The relationship between Julian and Leo takes a while to develop and is not without its difficulties, making the story more realistic and the moment they give in completely very satisfying. The chemistry is off the charts, in part thanks to the delicious tension between them from the start, but what made me love this couple more was the way they stood together when it counted and that they were far from predictable. Great holiday story.
January 1, 2019
3 Stars
Maybe I should have read this earlier in the Christmas season, but this was just ok for me...not bad but not great. I think I will read one more holiday themed book then wait until next year. Hope you all had a very merry holiday! Happy New Year!
Maybe I should have read this earlier in the Christmas season, but this was just ok for me...not bad but not great. I think I will read one more holiday themed book then wait until next year. Hope you all had a very merry holiday! Happy New Year!
December 8, 2020
2★'s = it was ok.
Ugh. I had such a hard time getting over the behavior in the beginning of the book. It made it almost impossible for me to like Julian.
Mostly the book just didn't work for me. The ex-husband's behavior was pretty serious and I don't know if I felt it was handled that way. I borderline felt the kids could possibly have been in some danger.
Why if you live in Florida would you take your kids to Disneyland? Why not save some bucks and hit Disneyworld? I found that odd.
Leo's backstory was also pretty serious but seemed to just be that, a story. I am not sure exactly how he managed to survive in the beginning, it all just seemed easy and then now was serious. I don't know.
But, since this is a Christmas read my two biggest issues were first, why didn't the Christmas lights ever get turned on until after Christmas? Is this a thing people do? So odd. And second, why would Leo show up with no gifts? If you get invited to Christmas at someone's house, especially someone with children I can't imagine not coming with gifts. Another oddity.
Overall this just didn't sit right with me and that took away the "Christmas Joy" I expect from a Christmas story.
This also read a lot like a setup for the series.
Ugh. I had such a hard time getting over the behavior in the beginning of the book. It made it almost impossible for me to like Julian.
Mostly the book just didn't work for me. The ex-husband's behavior was pretty serious and I don't know if I felt it was handled that way. I borderline felt the kids could possibly have been in some danger.
Why if you live in Florida would you take your kids to Disneyland? Why not save some bucks and hit Disneyworld? I found that odd.
Leo's backstory was also pretty serious but seemed to just be that, a story. I am not sure exactly how he managed to survive in the beginning, it all just seemed easy and then now was serious. I don't know.
But, since this is a Christmas read my two biggest issues were first, why didn't the Christmas lights ever get turned on until after Christmas? Is this a thing people do? So odd. And second, why would Leo show up with no gifts? If you get invited to Christmas at someone's house, especially someone with children I can't imagine not coming with gifts. Another oddity.
Overall this just didn't sit right with me and that took away the "Christmas Joy" I expect from a Christmas story.
This also read a lot like a setup for the series.
December 10, 2018
A heartwarming family story, enjoyable and adorable holiday read.
This is an enemy to friends to lovers story, a slow burn that's not too much to kill me with frustration. The kids are adorable. I have a certain words to Julian's ex husband, Robert, but surely nothing's nice about that.
Julian and Leo made a perfect team mates in everything, the kids (especially), the dogs, the battle. And who knows, that big burly Leo is such a sweetheart and Julian, the usual doormat to his ex, could be a boss this time.
This is overall a sweet story, and enjoyable holiday read!
December 22, 2018
I didn't see one mentioned but I could have missed it. There is talk of conversion therapy in here towards the end. It is very brief and doesn't go into detail, but it's still there. If it's a trigger, please have a care for yourself and be careful. Otherwise….well, yeah, it still pulls at the heartstrings. It's a good book, but it's emotional. Christmas is the one time of year when it seems to be the worst for some people. People who don't have families for one reason or another, it's a hard time. When other aspects of your life are rough as well, it seems double or triple hard.
For Leo, it was super hard. Christmas reminded him of things he wished he could forget. He tried to stay happy and smile. He loved his new business venture but trying to get it off the ground was hard. Especially when all those fears crept up and tried to choke him. What no one seemed to understand was underneath those tanned muscle and happy smiles, beat the heart of a man with huge fears and doubts. And a past, that although therapy helped, still got to him some days. When he caught wind of the Christmas Lights contest, he thought it would be good for him if he won. He could use the publicity. But winning meant he had to go against his uptight neighbor, who intrigued him like no one ever before. And what made it worse, is if he could get through to this guy to even remotely have a chance, who he look down on Leo for what he needed?
For Julian, life was all about his kids. The divorce had left him with all kinds of questions and doubts about himself. He was trying to be what his kids needed but his ex pulling his stunts seemed to make things even worse. One step forward with the kids, but after his ex, it was like 3 steps back. He was so tired. He really didn't want to do this contest, but to see the look on his kids faces, he couldn't disappoint them. But could he get past working side by side, as far as houses, with a man he was trying to pretend to not like. Truth was, Leo really intrigued Julian, but after being hurt so bad by his ex, and his kids, he didn't know if he would ever be able to take the risk.
My heart broke for these two. There are funny parts but honestly, for the most part, it was tense for a while and full of confused and hurt feelings. Both had huge bad pasts and while the wore their hearts on their sleeves, they also had self-defense mechanisms that came across wrong. Especially Julian. He came across very cold, harsh and cruel. For Leo, it was another step into a flashback of his past. But Leo couldn't stop trying. Julian couldn't stop spying out his window. At some not so gentle prodding from his family, Julian finally had to agree maybe it was time to take a chance and take a step in a new direction. For Leo, it was like a dream.
I will never tire of hearing the phrase, 'Family isn't always blood, but what you make it.’ I know I'm paraphrasing there but you get the point. Both of these men had to learn there was more to family than blood. For their sake. They had to learn to trust, to hope, and to let go. Move in a new direction. Trust their hearts. It's never an easy thing to do, but if it's right, the outcome can be so worth it.
This was a good book. I recommend it. But it's not just a happy, happy Christmas story. It's about real life even though it’s fiction. But it's so worth it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
For Leo, it was super hard. Christmas reminded him of things he wished he could forget. He tried to stay happy and smile. He loved his new business venture but trying to get it off the ground was hard. Especially when all those fears crept up and tried to choke him. What no one seemed to understand was underneath those tanned muscle and happy smiles, beat the heart of a man with huge fears and doubts. And a past, that although therapy helped, still got to him some days. When he caught wind of the Christmas Lights contest, he thought it would be good for him if he won. He could use the publicity. But winning meant he had to go against his uptight neighbor, who intrigued him like no one ever before. And what made it worse, is if he could get through to this guy to even remotely have a chance, who he look down on Leo for what he needed?
For Julian, life was all about his kids. The divorce had left him with all kinds of questions and doubts about himself. He was trying to be what his kids needed but his ex pulling his stunts seemed to make things even worse. One step forward with the kids, but after his ex, it was like 3 steps back. He was so tired. He really didn't want to do this contest, but to see the look on his kids faces, he couldn't disappoint them. But could he get past working side by side, as far as houses, with a man he was trying to pretend to not like. Truth was, Leo really intrigued Julian, but after being hurt so bad by his ex, and his kids, he didn't know if he would ever be able to take the risk.
My heart broke for these two. There are funny parts but honestly, for the most part, it was tense for a while and full of confused and hurt feelings. Both had huge bad pasts and while the wore their hearts on their sleeves, they also had self-defense mechanisms that came across wrong. Especially Julian. He came across very cold, harsh and cruel. For Leo, it was another step into a flashback of his past. But Leo couldn't stop trying. Julian couldn't stop spying out his window. At some not so gentle prodding from his family, Julian finally had to agree maybe it was time to take a chance and take a step in a new direction. For Leo, it was like a dream.
I will never tire of hearing the phrase, 'Family isn't always blood, but what you make it.’ I know I'm paraphrasing there but you get the point. Both of these men had to learn there was more to family than blood. For their sake. They had to learn to trust, to hope, and to let go. Move in a new direction. Trust their hearts. It's never an easy thing to do, but if it's right, the outcome can be so worth it.
This was a good book. I recommend it. But it's not just a happy, happy Christmas story. It's about real life even though it’s fiction. But it's so worth it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
January 2, 2019
Leo is very likable but Julian is not. However, Leo's kindness pulls this romance through even as the conceit of the Christmas light competitions falls away (and made little sense anyway).
I liked that Leo is building a community and would like to see other books around his Unitarian Church.
The kids and dogs are engaging so a little bit of Christmas fun in this one.
I liked that Leo is building a community and would like to see other books around his Unitarian Church.
The kids and dogs are engaging so a little bit of Christmas fun in this one.
December 11, 2021
This is a cute, sweet, holiday filled, little story without drama. No heavy angst. Even when one of the characters shares their painful past or private fears it never gets heavy. Keep in mind this is a holiday feel good read so kudos on keeping it enjoyable. It could’ve easily tipped into a depressingly angsty madness mess. It missed that bullet.
Ding, ding, ding…
Ding, ding, ding…
dnf
January 6, 2021DNF @ 18%
I have officially waited too long past Christmas to finish this and no longer want to read a word about the holiday.
(I spent five months working a job where I had to listen to Christmas carols all summer. It left me a bit of a grinch.)
I have officially waited too long past Christmas to finish this and no longer want to read a word about the holiday.
(I spent five months working a job where I had to listen to Christmas carols all summer. It left me a bit of a grinch.)
December 27, 2019
3.5 stars. A fun holiday story.
December 17, 2018
2.75 stars rounded up
With the words "Battle" on the title, I'm pretty disappointed that the story itself doesn't include many "lights battle". I liked the beginning, and I thought Julian's kids adorable. But then the story got bogged down in the middle -- when Julian's ex had the kids -- and it felt like Julian and Leo became repetitive with their reasons of wanting to keep the relationship 'easy'. I also thought that they didn't "sizzle". I was distracted many times in trying to finish the book.
But again, I liked the kids -- and Julian's mother was awesome. So I rounded this up for them
With this book, my 2018 Goodreads challenge is met!
With the words "Battle" on the title, I'm pretty disappointed that the story itself doesn't include many "lights battle". I liked the beginning, and I thought Julian's kids adorable. But then the story got bogged down in the middle -- when Julian's ex had the kids -- and it felt like Julian and Leo became repetitive with their reasons of wanting to keep the relationship 'easy'. I also thought that they didn't "sizzle". I was distracted many times in trying to finish the book.
But again, I liked the kids -- and Julian's mother was awesome. So I rounded this up for them
With this book, my 2018 Goodreads challenge is met!
December 9, 2018
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!
Too much? Sorry …. This one really put me in the Christmas spirit. First, we meet Julian and his two adorable kids, Charlie and Sadie. I don’t need to tell anyone how much I adore a hot single dad and his babies. They’re my favorite!
After his divorce, (and y’all, you will hate the cheating, verbally and emotionally abusive ex husband, here’s your warning)…. Julian is doing everything he can to just make life easy for their children, who both suffer from emotional issues, like anxiety and aggression. Julian is so patient and easy with them, he loves them more than anything….so seeing them hurt time and again by the ex, hurts him too. Never one to stand up for himself, especially with the ex, I was so glad to see him finally do it….
Now, Leo is house/dog sitting for a close friend who just happens to be Julian’s next door neighbor. They don’t get along at first, but it’s short-lived and kind of entertaining… I hated that it hurt Leo, even a little bit, because he’s been hurt so much, I just didn’t want anymore for him… Leo is charming and gorgeous and generous and sweet… it’s easy to become smitten with him… and he’s good with the kids. As a single parent, you can’t ask for anything better than that.
When the small town of Shelby Beach, holds a Christmas Lights competition, both of the men are intent on winning. Julian, so he can give the kids a good Christmas, and maybe do something fun with them, and Leo, because he’s still trying to make a name for himself in Shelby Beach, and getting the exposure and his name out there could go a long way in his want to start his own business. But, as the competition gets on and the guys call a truce, an unfortunate, tiny little accident has Julian needing Leo’s help, and Leo being all in to help out, and even to merge the competition.
I don’t want to give everything away, but I just adored this story. It’s sweet and light and fun, and I loved these two together. I loved Julian’s family and what they could give Leo, because he so desperately needed the love that his own family failed to give him. I loved how accepting they all were, if even a little nutty, Julian’s family and Leo’s best friends… I loved how the ex- seemed to just go away and we never saw him again… and I loved the little happy for now we get, that could promise so much more for these two in coming books. Which I’m very much hoping for.
Overall though, it was just the perfect little Christmas read on this cold and rainy day for me, and I loved it.
4 stars from me!
Too much? Sorry …. This one really put me in the Christmas spirit. First, we meet Julian and his two adorable kids, Charlie and Sadie. I don’t need to tell anyone how much I adore a hot single dad and his babies. They’re my favorite!
After his divorce, (and y’all, you will hate the cheating, verbally and emotionally abusive ex husband, here’s your warning)…. Julian is doing everything he can to just make life easy for their children, who both suffer from emotional issues, like anxiety and aggression. Julian is so patient and easy with them, he loves them more than anything….so seeing them hurt time and again by the ex, hurts him too. Never one to stand up for himself, especially with the ex, I was so glad to see him finally do it….
Now, Leo is house/dog sitting for a close friend who just happens to be Julian’s next door neighbor. They don’t get along at first, but it’s short-lived and kind of entertaining… I hated that it hurt Leo, even a little bit, because he’s been hurt so much, I just didn’t want anymore for him… Leo is charming and gorgeous and generous and sweet… it’s easy to become smitten with him… and he’s good with the kids. As a single parent, you can’t ask for anything better than that.
When the small town of Shelby Beach, holds a Christmas Lights competition, both of the men are intent on winning. Julian, so he can give the kids a good Christmas, and maybe do something fun with them, and Leo, because he’s still trying to make a name for himself in Shelby Beach, and getting the exposure and his name out there could go a long way in his want to start his own business. But, as the competition gets on and the guys call a truce, an unfortunate, tiny little accident has Julian needing Leo’s help, and Leo being all in to help out, and even to merge the competition.
I don’t want to give everything away, but I just adored this story. It’s sweet and light and fun, and I loved these two together. I loved Julian’s family and what they could give Leo, because he so desperately needed the love that his own family failed to give him. I loved how accepting they all were, if even a little nutty, Julian’s family and Leo’s best friends… I loved how the ex- seemed to just go away and we never saw him again… and I loved the little happy for now we get, that could promise so much more for these two in coming books. Which I’m very much hoping for.
Overall though, it was just the perfect little Christmas read on this cold and rainy day for me, and I loved it.
4 stars from me!
December 14, 2018
There’s nothing like the holidays to turn enemies into lovers. The Christmas Lights Battle by Skylar M. Cates intertwines the lives of two completely opposite men, producing a beautiful romance. Or more realistically, a beautiful family.
Ingredients:
1 Devoted, divorced, single dad with an initial tendency to be a douche. – Julian Moss
1 Strapping yet insecure personal trainer. – Leo Adams
2 Blissfully normal children. – Charlie and Sadie
1 Rotten, horrid, and selfish ex-husband. – Robert
1 Bratty ex-husband’s latest man. – Devin
1 Polished and sassy mother. – Maggie
1 Meddling sister. – Brook
3 Adorable mutts, Winston (Lab mix); Taffy (Poodle); Uncle Davie (Beagle)
1 Ultra-religious family.
1 Best friend. – Zane
Numerous Christmas decorations.
A sprinkle of uptight townsfolk.
Mix and fold the caustic and complimentary ingredients together.
Step back as the sparks fly, the insecurities melt away, and heartfelt feelings blossom.
In the beginning Julian and Leo are on the outs with one another. Their competitive natures kick in, each determined to “best” the other using the town’s light competition as a rouse. Actually, Julian and Leo are made of the right stuff. Underneath the show and bluster, lies a couple of truly amazing men.
Putting aside their first impressions reveals a match made in heaven. But, will they sabotage their potential because of insecurities? Will their pasts prevent them from moving forward? The heavy topics behind these questions have the potential to be depressing and, while they are gloomy, their presentation is more about the makeup of each man and not the topic itself.
There is an abundance of sexy times heating up these pages. How Julian and Leo manage this with two children constantly around is still a mystery. Okay, not so much a mystery since the encounters are vividly portrayed, pulling the story together.
It is apparent that Ms. Cates’ intent is to have The Christmas Lights Battle bepart of a series since we are left with more of a “happy for now” feeling. What comes next? Which of the numerous individuals will get their own story? We’ll just have to wait and see,but there is an abundance of possibilities.
Ingredients:
1 Devoted, divorced, single dad with an initial tendency to be a douche. – Julian Moss
1 Strapping yet insecure personal trainer. – Leo Adams
2 Blissfully normal children. – Charlie and Sadie
1 Rotten, horrid, and selfish ex-husband. – Robert
1 Bratty ex-husband’s latest man. – Devin
1 Polished and sassy mother. – Maggie
1 Meddling sister. – Brook
3 Adorable mutts, Winston (Lab mix); Taffy (Poodle); Uncle Davie (Beagle)
1 Ultra-religious family.
1 Best friend. – Zane
Numerous Christmas decorations.
A sprinkle of uptight townsfolk.
Mix and fold the caustic and complimentary ingredients together.
Step back as the sparks fly, the insecurities melt away, and heartfelt feelings blossom.
In the beginning Julian and Leo are on the outs with one another. Their competitive natures kick in, each determined to “best” the other using the town’s light competition as a rouse. Actually, Julian and Leo are made of the right stuff. Underneath the show and bluster, lies a couple of truly amazing men.
Putting aside their first impressions reveals a match made in heaven. But, will they sabotage their potential because of insecurities? Will their pasts prevent them from moving forward? The heavy topics behind these questions have the potential to be depressing and, while they are gloomy, their presentation is more about the makeup of each man and not the topic itself.
There is an abundance of sexy times heating up these pages. How Julian and Leo manage this with two children constantly around is still a mystery. Okay, not so much a mystery since the encounters are vividly portrayed, pulling the story together.
It is apparent that Ms. Cates’ intent is to have The Christmas Lights Battle bepart of a series since we are left with more of a “happy for now” feeling. What comes next? Which of the numerous individuals will get their own story? We’ll just have to wait and see,but there is an abundance of possibilities.
December 10, 2018
2.5 stars
This book was a bit of a let down. From the title and cover it looked like it would be funny and quirky but the lights battle only made up a small amount of the story.
Here we have Julian, a divorcee who has 2 children and a rotten ex husband, and Leo, who is estranged from his family. They are neighbors who both decide to do the lights competition for different reasons. They have a bunch of ups and downs but eventually find their way into a relationship.
I felt like the story got a bit lost from the fun holiday read it was supposed to be as it turned serious pretty much from the get go with the ex husband being awful and the talk of Leo's past.
Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of this book which was super disappointing for me. Maybe I'm in a grinchy mood but this holiday story didn't do it for me. :(
This book was a bit of a let down. From the title and cover it looked like it would be funny and quirky but the lights battle only made up a small amount of the story.
Here we have Julian, a divorcee who has 2 children and a rotten ex husband, and Leo, who is estranged from his family. They are neighbors who both decide to do the lights competition for different reasons. They have a bunch of ups and downs but eventually find their way into a relationship.
I felt like the story got a bit lost from the fun holiday read it was supposed to be as it turned serious pretty much from the get go with the ex husband being awful and the talk of Leo's past.
Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of this book which was super disappointing for me. Maybe I'm in a grinchy mood but this holiday story didn't do it for me. :(
December 13, 2020
Good
4 stars
This is what I look for in a holiday book, you’ve got an enemies to lovers scenario with lots of feels.
Both guys have their own hang ups but Leo was the one that I connected to the most. He is so much like a kicked puppy looking for affection and acceptance but hiding behind his confident exterior, and I just wanted to hug him.
Julian started off quite prickly which made him harder to like, but once he thawed and the guys started interacting I found myself liking him. I loved the way he was with his children, he was a great parent. I also loved the way he was with Leo once they got together, he had a way of reading him and helping him that worked for me.
Looks like I’ve found a new series as I want to know what happens with Zane.
4 stars
This is what I look for in a holiday book, you’ve got an enemies to lovers scenario with lots of feels.
Both guys have their own hang ups but Leo was the one that I connected to the most. He is so much like a kicked puppy looking for affection and acceptance but hiding behind his confident exterior, and I just wanted to hug him.
Julian started off quite prickly which made him harder to like, but once he thawed and the guys started interacting I found myself liking him. I loved the way he was with his children, he was a great parent. I also loved the way he was with Leo once they got together, he had a way of reading him and helping him that worked for me.
Looks like I’ve found a new series as I want to know what happens with Zane.
November 19, 2019
This is a fun story in the rivals to lover trope. Julin is a single dad looking for more money for spoiling his two kids. Leo is a fitness trainer trying to start a new business. they both start the christmas light battle as competitors but pool there resource so they both win the competition and the love of each other.
December 13, 2018
3.5 Stars
Not a bad Christmas read. Leo is easy to love, but Julian is like Brussels sprouts. Getting to the like stage is a bit more work. He is a good dad and really thaws after being around Leo.
The biggest problem is the book doesn’t flow easily. Characters do a 180 from one paragraph to the next instead of allowing for a slower more natural segue of feelings.
Not a bad Christmas read. Leo is easy to love, but Julian is like Brussels sprouts. Getting to the like stage is a bit more work. He is a good dad and really thaws after being around Leo.
The biggest problem is the book doesn’t flow easily. Characters do a 180 from one paragraph to the next instead of allowing for a slower more natural segue of feelings.
March 3, 2020
3.5 stars
November 15, 2021
Very sweet. Started out strong and fizzled, for me anyway, closer to the end. Still a nice holiday love story
May 16, 2022
This started out with me not liking Julian too much because he was too grumpy, but with his past of hurt and trying to raise his kids as a single parent and seeing his jerk ex, I can understand why he was that way. Leo, however, was totally adorable right from the get go. When they finally get past the annoying "I don't want to like you" stage, they were adorable together. I liked how they came together and the fun Christmas spirit of the book. I do wish there was more of an HEA for these guys, though. It's too much HFN for me to love love love it. Hopefully we can get more of these guys in the near future. Their family and friends were awesome, so it would be great to see some of their stories, too.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
December 24, 2020
Would have been 4 stars, but had some late in the book tragic backstory that just seemed a little over the top and unnecessary. I will likely read more in this series, bc I’m curious to see what happens with his friend who is a cancer survivor. I really did like the main relationship, I just wish harrowing homophobic histories were so often the default in these. (However, I did like how she showed that Leo found a way to transform his relationship to faith and religion.)
December 14, 2018
With Christmas romances, we often do not expect innovation and surprise. We want to be reassured and comforted, find feelings of sweetness and warmth and be surrounded by the famous Christmas spirit. With The Christmas Lights battle, Skylar M Cates has almost achieved the challenge of Christmas romance. I say almost, because for me a Christmas in the sun, it's not quite a Christmas.
The Christmas lights battle is the story of Julian and Leo, two neighbors who hate each other and who will gradually come together around the home lighting contest and end up loving each other. Julian is a freshly divorced family man. He adopted a son and a daughter who both have behavioral problems. Added to this, a former husband who left him for a younger man gradually abandons his responsibilities as a father. Other problems include an invasive sister and an invasive mother.
Leo is a young sports coach recently on his own who behind a joyful and sociable facade hides a painful past.
I enjoyed my reading, even though I finished it with the feeling of being slightly cheated on the goods. I was expecting a Christmas romance and I had the impression to read a simple romance. A good romance certainly, but not a Christmas romance. A Christmas romance for me has to fill a certain list of criteria and one of them for me is the frame. When I immerse myself in one of these end-of-the-year stories, I want cold, frost and snow. I want trees and roofs covered with a white down. And here I was entitled to the sea, fine sand and the warm sun of Florida.
I liked Leo's characters. At first, I thought I had to deal with a flat character and in the end I discovered a character all round, with a past that left many scars. I regret that the author is not stressed on this aspect to make it a central point of history. I found that Leo's past was flown over and only had a rather light impact only toward the end of the story.
There is also this overflown side of the relationship between the ex-husband and the children. I would have liked it to occupy a bigger part in the story and we have the right to just small touches here and there.
For the rest, A Christmas lights battle is a story not memorable, but enjoyable. The pace is pretty good, the characters are relatively well built and the relationship between Julian and Leo well conducted. Mention very well for the fight against prejudices on sexual preferences.
In the end, I had a good time reading with this little romance, although to be honest, it did not mark me more than that.
The Christmas lights battle is the story of Julian and Leo, two neighbors who hate each other and who will gradually come together around the home lighting contest and end up loving each other. Julian is a freshly divorced family man. He adopted a son and a daughter who both have behavioral problems. Added to this, a former husband who left him for a younger man gradually abandons his responsibilities as a father. Other problems include an invasive sister and an invasive mother.
Leo is a young sports coach recently on his own who behind a joyful and sociable facade hides a painful past.
I enjoyed my reading, even though I finished it with the feeling of being slightly cheated on the goods. I was expecting a Christmas romance and I had the impression to read a simple romance. A good romance certainly, but not a Christmas romance. A Christmas romance for me has to fill a certain list of criteria and one of them for me is the frame. When I immerse myself in one of these end-of-the-year stories, I want cold, frost and snow. I want trees and roofs covered with a white down. And here I was entitled to the sea, fine sand and the warm sun of Florida.
I liked Leo's characters. At first, I thought I had to deal with a flat character and in the end I discovered a character all round, with a past that left many scars. I regret that the author is not stressed on this aspect to make it a central point of history. I found that Leo's past was flown over and only had a rather light impact only toward the end of the story.
There is also this overflown side of the relationship between the ex-husband and the children. I would have liked it to occupy a bigger part in the story and we have the right to just small touches here and there.
For the rest, A Christmas lights battle is a story not memorable, but enjoyable. The pace is pretty good, the characters are relatively well built and the relationship between Julian and Leo well conducted. Mention very well for the fight against prejudices on sexual preferences.
In the end, I had a good time reading with this little romance, although to be honest, it did not mark me more than that.
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